Mark James (Sparky) Finnan, 59, of Marengo passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Tuesday January 3, 2023.
Born July 20, 1963 to Matt and Betty (Nihan) Finnan, Mark was a lifelong resident of Marengo and a proud third generation Pipefitter with Local 23 prior to his retirement in 2019.
An avid fisherman from a young age, he could be found anywhere there was water. With a can of corn at the Kishwaukee River, later on with yearly trips to Canada, and finally to his dream home on Lake Wisconsin at Moon Valley where he was often found in the early morning in his robe casting off the dock! He loved hosting friends and family, fishing dawn to dark, and knew grilling as an art form.
Weekends were devoted, in season, to his beloved Fighting Irish and Green Bay Packers and anytime was a good time for a round of golf.
Mark was part owner of the Northside Tap in Marengo with his friend and business partner Scott Graves and will be forever missed by his staff and customers, many of which have become like family over the years.
Mark is survived by his children Katelyn (Ryan) Kovacs and Dylan Finnan; his grandson Bryson Finnan; his significant other Joy Shoemaker; his sisters Pam (David) Greif and Sara (Steve) Schirmer; his nieces and nephews; and his former spouse Paula Finnan. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Glenda Finnan Maish.
Visitation will be held Sunday January 8, 2022 from 11am to 3pm at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy, Marengo, IL 60152. A gathering at Joe's Place will follow at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations for the creation of a memorial in Mark’s name.
